Collingwood and Hawthorn combine in marquee match for emergency workers

Collingwood and Hawthorn have joined forces to play a marquee match in round 16 to acknowledge the work of emergency services and raise money for the Emergency Services Foundation, which supports workers in times of need.

Club presidents Eddie McGuire and Jeff Kennett pledged $25,000 from each of their clubs to the foundation, while the state government pledged $100,000 to the cause as part of the launch of the first emergency services match to be played between the two clubs on Friday July 5.

Collingwood president Eddie McGuireat the announcement of the emergency services match.Credit:AAP

Kennett said emergency service workers experienced higher rates of mental health issues than the rest of the population, with research showing 40 per cent of emergency service workers have been diagnosed with a mental health issue.

The Magpies and Hawthorn hope their game will raise money for the foundation each season, as well as give the community the opportunity to express their gratitude to the workers.